US Chip Maker Micron Under Fire as China Launches Cybersecurity Probe Amid Escalating Tech Tensions
In a move that suggests growing unease with US tech exports, China has launched a cybersecurity probe into Micron Technology, one of America's largest memory chip makers. The probe comes on the heels of similar restrictions imposed by Japan and the Netherlands on semiconductor sales to China.
The Cyberspace Administration of China (CAC) announced the review, citing concerns over "ensuring the security of key information infrastructure supply chains, preventing cybersecurity risks caused by hidden product problems, and maintaining national security." Micron has warned in an earlier filing that such risks exist, including the possibility of Chinese government restrictions on its participation in the China market.
The probe is a response to US allies in Asia and Europe announcing new curbs on the sale of key technology to Beijing. The United States had banned Chinese companies from buying advanced chips and chipmaking equipment without a license, while Japan announced it would restrict exports of advanced chip manufacturing equipment to countries including China.
Shares in Micron plummeted 4.4% on Wall Street Friday following the news, marking the biggest drop in more than three months. The Idaho-based company derives over 10% of its revenue from China and has expressed concerns about the impact of such restrictions.
The move highlights Beijing's increasing pressure on foreign companies to bring them into line with its agenda, as it seeks to boost growth and job creation through wooing global CEOs. However, this effort is being met with resistance, particularly in the US, where technology exports are seen as a key driver of economic growth.
China has strongly criticized restrictions on tech exports, saying last month it "firmly opposes" such measures. The country's newly minted premier Li Qiang and top economic officials have been rolling out the welcome mat for global CEOs, promising them a favorable business environment and services.
The probe also comes as tensions between China and the US continue to escalate. In recent months, Beijing has taken steps to strengthen its own semiconductor industry, including launching new funding initiatives and offering incentives to domestic chipmakers.
As tensions in the tech sector continue to simmer, Micron's stock price remains under pressure, reflecting investor concerns about the potential impact of this probe on its operations and relationships with Chinese customers.
In a move that suggests growing unease with US tech exports, China has launched a cybersecurity probe into Micron Technology, one of America's largest memory chip makers. The probe comes on the heels of similar restrictions imposed by Japan and the Netherlands on semiconductor sales to China.
The Cyberspace Administration of China (CAC) announced the review, citing concerns over "ensuring the security of key information infrastructure supply chains, preventing cybersecurity risks caused by hidden product problems, and maintaining national security." Micron has warned in an earlier filing that such risks exist, including the possibility of Chinese government restrictions on its participation in the China market.
The probe is a response to US allies in Asia and Europe announcing new curbs on the sale of key technology to Beijing. The United States had banned Chinese companies from buying advanced chips and chipmaking equipment without a license, while Japan announced it would restrict exports of advanced chip manufacturing equipment to countries including China.
Shares in Micron plummeted 4.4% on Wall Street Friday following the news, marking the biggest drop in more than three months. The Idaho-based company derives over 10% of its revenue from China and has expressed concerns about the impact of such restrictions.
The move highlights Beijing's increasing pressure on foreign companies to bring them into line with its agenda, as it seeks to boost growth and job creation through wooing global CEOs. However, this effort is being met with resistance, particularly in the US, where technology exports are seen as a key driver of economic growth.
China has strongly criticized restrictions on tech exports, saying last month it "firmly opposes" such measures. The country's newly minted premier Li Qiang and top economic officials have been rolling out the welcome mat for global CEOs, promising them a favorable business environment and services.
The probe also comes as tensions between China and the US continue to escalate. In recent months, Beijing has taken steps to strengthen its own semiconductor industry, including launching new funding initiatives and offering incentives to domestic chipmakers.
As tensions in the tech sector continue to simmer, Micron's stock price remains under pressure, reflecting investor concerns about the potential impact of this probe on its operations and relationships with Chinese customers.